The Big-Bug Immersion


The impending threat of dwindling insect populations is a major social and existential challenge that we must face. Macro photography of insects highlights the need to protect all forms of life. Utilizing media art as a tool to shift our perspective allow: for a critical examination of our role as humans within the Earth's ecosystem and dominant anthropocentric systems. We propose a 3D scanner to capture and create detailed models of insects. The scanner will serve as both an artistic and scientific instrument, raising social awareness for insect conservation. Additionally, the scanner will be featured as a
"performance artist" depicting the scanning process and serving as an observational tool. Our research aims to contribute to the fields of art and science by exploring new forms of artistic expression through cutting-edge technology. Our ultimate goal is to promote research in digitization and AI by creating 3D models of organisms that will help raise awareness of their importance and contribute to their preservation.

Photometric stereo setup in action

Photometric stereo is a technique in computer vision for calculating the surface normals of objects by exposing that object to different lighting conditions.

Photometric Stereo Experiments

The project Big-Bug Immersion aims for high-detailed scans, therefore we test different techniques
to increase the level of detail. Progress photos by Michael Bachhofer.

 

Experiments in Photogrammetry

3D scanner setup

The custom-built 3D scanner with a test object.
Photo by Michael Bachhofer.

Reconstructed fly

Continuing using the house fly as a subject, reconstruction of 3D geometry in various software packages is tested.
Viewport screenshot by Michael Bachhofer.

Fly from above

The reconstructed geometry gives different point of view. Screenshot by Michael Bachhofer.

Iteration II

3D scanner at European Researcher's Night 2023. Photos by Martina R. Fröschl.

 
The project

Big-Bug Immersion got funded by INTRA

You can find the INTRA project page on the Angewandte website:

Custom-built 3D scanner by Michael Bachhofer.
© Michael Bachhofer